Vice President Communications

Vice President, Communications

Full-Time ∙ Exempt-Salaried ∙ Remote

ZERO, the nation’s leading prostate cancer foundation for advocacy, awareness, and patient support - recognized by the Nonprofit Times as one of the “50 Best Nonprofits to Work For” over the last seven years - seeks a dynamic Vice President of Communications to join our award-winning team. The ideal candidate will be a proven and selfless leader and team player with cause-driven passion and the business acumen to be part of a cross-functional management team taking the organization to new heights. This position will manage all aspects of creating, implementing, and executing ZERO’s internal and external communications strategy, including a comprehensive media relations plan to amplify brand awareness. The position reports directly to the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.

ZERO’s Communications Objectives Include:

1. Protect and increase awareness of ZERO’s brand legacy as the nation’s leader in prostate cancer advocacy with the distinction of having successfully advocated for the establishment of the Prostate Cancer Research Program at the Department of Defense, which has unlocked billions of dollars in public funding of discovery of new treatments
2. Enhance awareness of ZERO’s leadership in prostate cancer awareness, education, and patient support - advancing early detection, access to care, and reducing the pain and suffering of prostate cancer patients (and their families) with a focus on health equity, amplifying the men’s health conversation, and addressing the needs of high-risk populations
3. Improve internal communications process and messaging to ensure executives and staff are informed and well-equipped to deliver brand and mission messaging to key stakeholders, supporters, partners, and constituents and increase executive presence by developing a robust thought-leadership strategy

The Vice President of Communications will work closely with both Mission and Development VPs to lead the successful execution of a Media Relations strategy that expands our reach and earned media around our national mission and development initiatives, including our annual Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C., signature patient support and health equity programs, key corporate partner and development activities, and a strategy for local media relations support of the regions with opportunities to elevate local storytelling to national interest/media placement.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing, building, and maintaining national and local media relationships and alliances across broadcast media, cable news, public media outlets, publications, and online media outlets and influencers. The candidate will serve as backup to the ZERO Executive Leadership Team in representing ZERO in the media and primary ZERO contact for all press releases and media outreach.

The responsibilities also include the development of media materials, correspondence, and executive preparation for meetings and public appearances. The VP will also manage a highly successful and powerful hired media relations firm to deliver on media pitching, placement, and tracking of results.

Further, the position will monitor reputational risk issues of concern in partnership with ZERO’s Operations and Legal department, creating a sound crisis management process and drafting communications as necessary to ensure brand reputation is upheld despite any unforeseen circumstances or threats that may arise and impact the organization.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement organization-wide communication strategies aligned with business objectives
• Provide strategic counsel to C-suite executives and VP counterparts on communication matters
• Lead crisis communication efforts and reputation management

Internal Communications:

• Oversee internal communication initiatives to foster employee engagement and alignment
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels within the organization
• Ensure consistent messaging across all departments and levels

External Communications:

• Manage media relations and serve as a primary spokesperson for the organization
• Oversee public relations efforts, including press releases, media events, and interviews
• Develop and maintain relationships with media, key stakeholders, supporters, partners, and community leaders

Brand Management:

• Ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all communication channels
• Oversee the development and implementation of brand guidelines
• Monitor and protect the organization's brand reputation

Digital Communications:

• Lead the development and execution of digital communication strategies, including social media, website content, and online marketing
• Ensure effective use of digital platforms to engage with target audiences

Agency Management:

• Lead and advise an agency of media relations expert consultants and professionals
• Manage the communications budget and resources
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team

Measurement and Reporting:

• Develop and implement metrics to measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives
• Provide regular reports on communication performance to senior leadership
• Travel as needed to in-state advocacy events, and conferences and run/walks

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field: Master’s Degree preferred
• Ten+ years of experience in senior communication roles with a proven track record of success in delivering high-value media placement and increased brand awareness
• Experience in health industry communications
• Experience with nonprofit and for-profit brands and working with influencers across entertainment and media preferred
• Exceptional at building relationships with established national and local media relationships to build upon
• Media savvy and excellent verbal and written communication skills including poised public speaking and presentation acumen
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management
• Proficiency in digital communications tools and platforms
• Strong understanding of communication channels and best practices
• Outstanding humble team player who craves to make impact with a high capacity collaborate and cooperate with teammates across the organization.

ZERO is recognized as a superior workplace because of its award-winning culture. We provide excellent benefits, including employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance. When we’re not working remotely, our office is metro accessible.

Inquiries regarding the Vice President, Communications position should be directed to Jami Armstrong, Senior Consultant at Nonprofit HR at jarmstrong@nonprofithr.com. Please submit your application and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications specific to the role, and your resume.

ZERO Prostate Cancer is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees. We encourage BIPOC, Veterans, individuals with Disabilities and those affected by prostate cancer to apply. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.